While laws and restrictions still vary widely, both governmental and public acceptance of marijuana use for medical purposes appears to be on an upward trend. If your image of marijuana use is limited to Cheech and Chong-style stoners firing up joints, you may be surprised by the range of delivery methods for medical marijuana. If you are approved to use medical marijuana, consult with your prescribing physician, take sensible precautions, and weigh the pros and cons of the various available options. With a bit of trial-and-error, you will probably find the method(s) that work best for you.

Steps

Method1

Inhaling or Consuming Medical Marijuana

1

Weigh the benefits of smoking marijuana. Recreational users typically smoke marijuana for a reason, and it’s not the pungent odor. Inhaling super-heated marijuana particles is one of the fasted delivery methods for the compounds within. The physical (and psychological) effects can happen quickly, even within minutes, meaning that a patient in pain may find faster relief this way.[1]

Smoking is also a very user-friendly method, especially for those used to smoking tobacco or recreational marijuana. Depending upon the availability of marijuana where you live, you may also have a near-endless variety of strains and strengths available to you at reasonable prices.

2

Don’t forget the drawbacks of smoking. Yes, smoking marijuana — whether in a joint, a pipe, or a bong — delivers the desired chemical compounds to your body quickly. However, the effects also tend to wear off quickly, often on the shorter end of one-and-a-half to four hours.[2]

Smoking marijuana also creates the telltale odor that tends to linger on clothing, hair, furniture, and just about everything else within range.

Most importantly, while the comparative damage vis-as-vis smoking tobacco products is not entirely clear, it is obvious that inhaling smoke is detrimental to your lungs. So, unless you already have a terminal illness, you may want to consider alternate methods.

3

Give vaping a try. Vaping — inhaling dried cannabis that has been placed in a vaporizer — offers the quick-release benefits of smoking without the same risk for lung damage or overwhelming odors. Vaping may also be a more manageable inhalation method for patients with breathing problems.[3]

On the negative side, vaping shares the same limited effectiveness period as traditional smoking. Also, unlike rolling a joint or filling a pipe, you have to make sure the battery on your vaporizer is charged (unless it’s a plug-in model) and wait for it to heat up. And, marijuana vaporizers tend to be fairly expensive, even without factoring in the cost of the marijuana that goes inside.

4

Eat your medical marijuana. Far beyond the humble homemade “pot brownie,” there is actually an extensive range of packaged foods (from popcorn to lollipops and beyond) laced with measured doses of medical cannabis. Depending upon where you live and the medical marijuana laws there, you may find these products at your chosen dispensary.[4]

While pre-packaged foods may be convenient, you can certainly still whip up your own marijuana-laced foods, which gives you total control over the contents. A simple internet search will unearth a bevy of recipes.

Using food eliminates the odor and reduces the possible stigma a patient may experience from using marijuana; the effects tend to linger for longer than when smoking or vaping as well.

That said, the medicinal impact may take an hour or more to kick in, so food may not be the best choice for surges of pain that need quick relief. Also, some patients may have conditions that cause nausea or a loss of appetite, making food an unattractive choice.

5

Raise a glass to marijuana beverages. If your local dispensary has marijuana foods, it will also probably have a range of drinks like smoothies, juices, sodas, teas, and so on. As with foods, using marijuana-laced drinks can reduce the potential stigma and replace the pungent odor of smoke with a flavorful beverage with lasting medical effects.[5]

Cannabis teas are a popular make-at-home option; they can be brewed from buds, leaves, prepackaged bags, tinctures, and so on, and other teas can be mixed in for flavor.

You get the same trade-off with both foods and drinks — it takes longer for the effects to occur, but they usually last longer than with smoking.

Take special precautions with marijuana-laced food and drink if you have children around. What they think is just a regular cookie or soda could have significant and harmful health consequences.

6

Do your homework before you “dab” marijuana concentrate or chew on fresh cannabis. “Dabbing” involves heating a concentrated packet of marijuana to a high temperature (often with a butane torch) and inhaling the smoke. The effect is immediate and powerful; the potential for overdose is significant. Also, playing around with torches and superheated packets of cannabis may not be your idea of an easy or convenient medication experience.[6]

On the other end of the spectrum, some users swear by the medical benefits of consuming fresh cannabis leaves and buds — whether by juicing them or simply chomping on them raw. This method, however, requires access to large amounts of fresh (and hopefully legal) cannabis, and many people find the flavor off-putting. Also, there is scant evidence (beyond anecdotal support) on the effectiveness of this method.

Method2

Applying or Inserting Medical Marijuana

1

Use patches on your skin. Transdermal patches offer a discreet, low-effort delivery method for medical marijuana. If you suffer from nausea or loss of appetite, or otherwise can’t or don’t want to inhale or consume cannabis, patches may be your best bet for relief.[7]

Follow the package instructions and your doctor’s guidance on proper use. Typically, transdermal patches are placed on a hairless area of skin, such as the inner wrist, ankle, or on top of the foot.

Dosages vary, and patches can be cut in half to reduce dosages. People seeking low-dose relief may find patches particularly appealing.

However, if you have substantial body hair, patches may not be for you. Some people also develop allergic reactions at the application point.

2

Try topical marijuana medications. Medical marijuana comes in various topical application forms, including sprays, salves, lotions, and ointments. Skin application of cannabis causes no psychoactive effects (which may be a positive or negative, depending upon your circumstances), and is best suited to skin conditions, arthritis, soreness, etc.

Topical applications, however, are very “hit-or-miss.” Some patients swear by them, while others say they do nothing. They won’t be effective for pain caused by cancer, glaucoma, or other conditions for which medical marijuana in other forms is often used.

Also, the products tend to be greasy upon application and may cause skin irritation in some patients.

3

See if sub-lingual sprays work for you. Tinctures of medical cannabis and alcohol (or another solution) can be sprayed under the tongue for relatively fast effect (faster than eating, slower than inhaling). The sprays come in small, discreet bottles, produce no odor and have a mild taste, are usually low-dose, and may be a good choice for children.[8]

Instead of a spray, some tinctures use a dropper. Just one or two drops under the tongue is usually sufficient.

If you need immediate relief, sprays may not be for you. Likewise, if you need a stronger dose, they can quickly become very expensive.

4

Consider cannabis suppositories. The mere mention of inserting any type of medication into the rectum may be enough to turn off some patients. There is also some debate as to the relative effectiveness of cannabis extract suppositories. However, they also seem to offer fast, long-lasting relief to many patients.[9]

Most suppositories require you to lie on your side and (with a gloved hand) insert the capsule about 1.5 inches (4 cm) into your rectum, then stay in place for a few minutes while the medication absorbs into your colon.

While suppositories seem to be one of the most efficient, fast-acting, and long-lasting delivery methods, the process involved in application (and the need to refrigerate the capsules) may outweigh these potential benefits for many patients.

Method3

Prioritizing Safety and Effectiveness

1

Work with your prescribing physician. If you’re legally using marijuana for a legitimate medical purpose, you’re going to have to be in contact with a prescribing physician. Take the opportunity to ask the doctor for recommendations and guidance regarding the delivery methods and concentrations that may be most effective for your particular condition.

In the U.S., state laws vary widely on which doctors can prescribe (and which patients can receive) medical marijuana. Make sure your doctor is authorized to prescribe and experienced in the process.[10]

If one form of medical marijuana isn’t working for you, talk to your doctor about making a switch. Also, if you’re experiencing unusual or significant side effects, share these with your doctor.

2

Start low and slow. As with most other medications, the goal with marijuana is to find the lowest effective dose for your condition. By taking as little cannabis as necessary to address your needs, you’ll reduce the impact of side effects or interactions, and also likely save money.

For instance, if you’re starting out with packaged medical marijuana cookies, start by eating one-fourth of a cookie. Wait an hour or so and consider its effects on your pain, as well as any side effects. If necessary, move up to a half-cookie next time, and repeat the process.

Especially when you’re in ongoing pain, it’s tempting to go for a big dose and (hopefully) big relief. However, work with your prescribing physician to methodically work your way up to the dose that works best for your particular needs.

3

Keep your own and others’ safety in mind. Especially when you’re starting out with medical marijuana, or changing doses or delivery methods, take extra precautions for your own well-being and the safety of others. The psychoactive effects of cannabis compounds can make activities like driving, operating machinery or appliances, or even navigating a cluttered house risky propositions.

Start your new or altered regimen at a time and place where you can safely wait to gauge the impacts. And follow your doctor’s recommendations and your own (pre-medicated) common sense when it comes to engaging in activities like driving after using medical marijuana.

4

Switch things up. While you won’t technically develop a tolerance to cannabis, your body can become accustomed to it to the point that its medical effectiveness wanes. In such a scenario, a brief “medicine vacation” or a switch to another variety, dosage, or delivery method may help restore the benefits.[11]

As with any medication, don’t stop using cannabis, change dosages, or alter delivery methods without the advice and consent of your prescribing physician.

5

Keep a medication log. Instead of relying on vague recollections and fleeting notions of your medication regimen, keep an accurate, up-to-date, detailed log of your cannabis usage. This will empower you (and your doctor) to make informed decisions in regards to tailoring your dosages and delivery methods. As such, it will be easier to maximize medication impact and minimize undesirable effects.

When it comes to medication logs of any type, there is no such thing as “too detailed.” For a cannabis log, keep track of details like the date and time of use; amount used; strain, type, and cannabinoid content (if known to you); therapeutic and side effects; your feelings before and after; and so on (perhaps employing a dozen or more categories).[12]

It is especially important to keep a detailed log during the first week or two of using a new or changed medication; but an ongoing log is even better. With medical marijuana or any other medication, information is power.

6

Know the laws and procedures in your jurisdiction. Marijuana laws, both medical and recreational, are changing quickly in the 50 U.S. states and around the world. Take it upon yourself to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to medical marijuana usage where you live. If need be, assert the rights you do possess or advocate for changes to benefit yourself and others who rely upon medical cannabis.

Study the current laws and regulations where you live by checking the website of or contacting your health department (or other supervisory government entity). Keep in regular contact with your prescribing physician as well.[13]

Consider joining an advocacy group and/or contacting your legislators if you believe changes need to be made to the laws where you live. Don’t assume you’ll be joining forces with just a bunch of “pot-heads” — there are people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to gray-haired grandmas, who benefit from using medical marijuana.

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Warnings

Do not attempt to self-medicate with marijuana. It may be illegal where you live, and — more importantly — you may do yourself more harm than good. Rely on the guidance of a qualified physician and acquire your medical marijuana from reputable sources.